We are just days away from the launch of a new manager-training program that will change the face of self-storage education. Once it becomes officially available on Tuesday, we hope it will revolutionize tranining for this business.

What's so grand about it? The Qualified Storage Manager program, created and produced by the Self-Storage Training Institute, will allow managers to take classes from the comfort of their own computer, whenever they want, and wherever they want. And they won't have to sell off their body parts, first-born children or antique cars to afford it.

Over the past 10 months, I've been working with our SSTI instructors—more than 20 of the top experts in the storage biz—to plan and produce the QSM core curriculum. To say it was a massive undertaking is an understatement, but the end result is a dream: a catalog of 26 online classes that delve into the real meat of self-storage operation. We address critical topics such as dealing with customers, phone skills, sales, marketing, pricing strategies, collections, lien sales, rental agreements, facility maintenance, customer service and much more.

Students earn their QSM designation by completing all 26 classes in the program; but the courses are also available a la carte to those who want to focus on specific topics. Participants will be able to purchase classes through the SSTI website at www.selfstorageeducation.com and watch them in webinar format at their own convenience. Courses range in price from $29.95 to $44.95 and can be purchased in any combination. Because they can be bought piecemeal, there's no pressure to dish up a large wad of cash up front; and, of course, there's no need to travel!

This revolutionary program was built with the blessing and consultative guidance of two of the industry's most knowledgable and respected experts: Jim Chiswell and Mel Holsinger. These gentleman are seasoned veterans of the business, and they have toiled at our side throughout the careful planning and creation of this new offering. You may remember their own brainchild, the Self Storage Education Network, which served as inspiration for the SSTI co-venture.

We're making a big splash with our new program at next week's Inside Self-Storage Expo in Nasvhille, Tenn. If you plan to be at the show, come by the ISS booth (#416) for information about the QSM program and our news-student discount. We'll be happy to walk you through the new website, discuss the curriculum and answer any questions you may have.

Just think ... If you're a facility manager, now you can learn the skills you need to compete in your market on a budget and schedule that works for you. You can take a class on a lunch break or during your downtime. And I know from our own research that there are plenty of owners and property managers out there willing to support and even foot the bill for this essential education. So don't be afraid to ask about participating in the program.

Product knowledge and customer service are going to be the cornerstones of success in a competitive market. This learning opportunity could be just the thing you need to stand above competing facilities in the eyes of the consumer. It may also be the right feather in your cap when it comes to braving the job market, too. We're excited for this new adventure, and we'll look forward to your feedback in the weeks ahead.